COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Robert Lewis Dear, the man charged in the 2015 shooting at a Planned Parenthood clinic, passed away while in federal custody, the Federal Bureau of Prisons announced Tuesday. The 68-year-old was confirmed to have died of natural causes on October 22 at a medical facility designated for federal prisoners in Springfield, Missouri.
Dear was known for his violent attack on November 27, 2015, where he opened fire at the clinic, resulting in the deaths of three individuals—University of Colorado Colorado Springs police officer Garrett Swasey, Iraq war veteran Ke’Arre Stewart, and Jennifer Markovsky, a mother of two. After his arrest, he was indicted on numerous felony charges, including murder and attempted murder.
While facing a total of 179 felony charges, federal prosecutors had formally charged him with 68 counts. However, Dear was deemed incompetent to stand trial multiple times, and his mental health history included a diagnosis of paranoid delusional disorder. At one point, he expressed concerns that evaluations meant to assess his fitness for trial were intended to medicate him into submission.
The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals had upheld a federal judge’s ruling in 2022 that allowed for Dear’s forced medication to render him competent. This decision faced opposition from his legal team, which argued that the side effects could exacerbate his existing health issues.
Described as a self-proclaimed “warrior for the babies,” Dear openly stated his anti-abortion beliefs during court proceedings. Following the shooting, he reportedly claimed, “I’m guilty. There’s no trial,” expressing his view that his violent actions were justified as part of his ideological stance.
On the day of the shooting, Dear entered the clinic where 27 people were present, targeting both patients and first responders. His arsenal included a dozen firearms, propane tanks, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. A five-hour standoff ensued before he surrendered to law enforcement.
Dear’s mental health evaluations continued to complicate legal proceedings, as he remained unfit for trial as recently as 2021. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, his attack on the clinic was fueled by his strong opposition to abortion services.
In light of Dear’s death, the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s Office has announced plans to dismiss any ongoing legal proceedings related to his case. His passing closes a tragic chapter stemming from a violent act that shook the Colorado community and raised questions about mental health and public safety.